Monument record TQ 97 SW 1245 - Roman ditches and pits, Barton Hill Drive, Isle of Sheppey

Roman ditches and rubbish pits were identified during an evaluation and watchnig brief carried out at Barton Hill Drive, Isle of Sheppey in 2018.
Nine features were identified comprising two ditches and seven pits. Artefacts associated with these features included pottery dating to 70-200 AD, ceramic building material, marine shell (probably locally sourced), and a small quantity of animal remains (including pig and cow). The pottery assemblage included both local and regional wares alongside Samian ware from Gaul, indicating that the settlement was part of both a shorter and longer distance trade network.

A number of other artefacts were recovered from the site which could date to this period, however, the majority were undiagnostic, so may relate to later medieval and post-medieval activity (TQ 97 SW 1245) at the site. These included a perforated oyster shell, iron artefacts such as nails, knife blades, a hook, and a pivot, and a small assemblage of copper alloy artefacts. Cereal and wheat grain were recovered from the fill of one of the Roman pits at the site.
The features are likely to relate to agricultural and subsistence activities at the site. (1)

<1> AOC Archaeology Group, 2019, A2500 Lower Road – Barton Hill Drive, Phase 1, Isle of Sheppey, Kent, Post-Excavation Assessment Report (Unpublished document). SKE58124.